At times a spinal segment (vertebrae) may become slightly rotated or tilted out of it’s natural correct position. This has a painful effect on the muscles that are attached to that segment.
Imagine a tent that has a central support pole. Once the tent is put up and the cables that are attached to it are tightened correctly, the pole will stand straight. Now if someone bumps against the pole and moves it slightly out of position, then the cables will not be pulling evenly. On one side they will be slack and on the other too tight. This is similar to the spine. The pole represents the bones and the cables the muscles. This can occur due to a fall, incorrect posture, vehicular accident, sporting collision or a variety of other reasons.
Spinal manipulation is the science of returning a spinal segment into its correct position. This is done by treating the soft tissue, muscles etc, to take away any dysfunctional strain from the segment and then manipulating the segment. This manipulation can be done using number of techniques. These techniques include muscle energy techniques (MET’s) which are specialised resistive stretches, or thrusting techniques (HVT’s).
All techniques used at Sheehan Physiotherapy are safe and only used after the technique has been fully explained to the client and with the full permission of the client.
Our therapists have undergone training of no less than 4 years to become expert in the safe and appropriate use of spinal manipulation as a treatment modality.